​Remember when getting to sit at the “big table” felt like you finally made it? 

Palm Sunday reminds us of the day Jesus walked into the temple and flipped the “big tables.” Why?
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Because "the adults in the room" were missing the heart of God. 

The place that was meant for prayer, for seeking God, for outsiders to come and learn the truth about the One True God had turned more like a crowded farmers market. Full of noise, distraction, and bartering to make a buck. People were being pushed away from the Lord in the very place designed to draw them close. 

And Jesus wasn't going to stand for it. “My house will be called a house of prayer.” 

That moment wasn’t just about then for it speaks to us now.  Because today, you and I are God’s dwelling place (1 Corinthians 3:16). We have been brought near to the Lord so that we may in turn might make His presence shine on them.

How you might ask? 

• We carry His gentleness. When life squeezes us, what comes out? Jesus came in humility and His Spirit produces that same gentleness in us.(Gal. 5:23) 
• We meet real needs.  Jesus didn’t ignore the hurting, He moved toward them. Those in pain that day found the grace and favor of God. Not judgement for not having it all together. Who around you needs to experience the love of Christ this week?
• We stand for truth.  Jesus confronted what was wrong. Not harshly for the sake of harshness, but courageously, with truth and purpose. People need hope more than ever. Be that person!

People are still looking for a spot at the table. It may be you, or someone you know. Jesus wants to remove every obstacle to you sitting with Him at His banquet table. Ask yourself "who do I know that needs a seat at the table?" 

👉 Join us this Sunday at StoneBridge, and don’t come alone. Invite someone join you. As we heard from Ian on Sunday, someone invited he and Kari to our Easter service16 years ago, and their journey with Jesus has never been the same.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mike 

PS- Also Shannon has begun the work of remodeling our Kids preschool room. It's looking good!

Happy Birthday StoneBridge!
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March 14, 2008.  This was the day we signed the note with First Advantage Bank for our soon to be church home at 201 Meriwether Lewis Dr. I still remember sitting across from the bank president with our elder chair, equal parts faith and nerves, trusting that God would provide what we could not yet see.

And He did. Just days later, in time for Easter Sunday on March 23, we opened the doors. After weeks of painting, rearranging, and pouring in countless hours, we held our first services and welcomed the community in. It was exhausting… and electric. God had given us a home.

Now here we are18, years later.   Which brings us back to a simple but searching question: 

What do you see?    
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It’s easy to focus on obstacles… challenges… limitations. Every church and every life has them. StoneBridge certainly has. But by the grace of God, here we are, still standing, still growing, still being shaped.

We remember Thomas for his doubt, but Jesus saw something more and sent him to carry the gospel far beyond what anyone expected. Paul once opposed the faith, yet God transformed him into a bold voice for Christ to the nations.

Because the Lord sees what we often miss.

He sees potential where we see problems.    He sees purpose where we see pain.

So… what do you see?   When Jesus asked His disciples that question in John 4, they saw a crowd. A meal. A moment. But Jesus saw a harvest. He saw people ready to encounter God, even in a place no one would have imagined possible. In Samaria. No way!

What do you see for your life? 
For your family?
For your influence?
For His church at StoneBridge?

Here’s what I see:

I see 18 years of God’s faithfulness.
I see lives that have been changed.
I see a community touched by the grace of Jesus. 

I see what the Lord has done as we have trusted Him.  And I see a future still unfolding.

GOD IS NOW HERE.     Or… is it “God is nowhere”?

The difference is how you see it.  And what you see shapes how you live.

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate all that Jesus has done and lean forward in faith for what He wants to do next.

I'm Grateful to be on this journey with you!

Pastor Mike 

Before you point the finger, read this...
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Hey Church Family, I want to be honest with you—this one hits hard.

Do you know anyone who tends to point the finger when they're confronting or angry. Yeah me too!

Jesus says in Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Now the impact of Jesus words is that He's not giving us a suggestion. This is a command. And He’s not just talking about big sins, He’s talking about the everyday ways we look at each other, criticize, and label.

Here’s the truth: every time we gossip, or put someone in a box, or excuse our own sin while pointing out theirs, we are guilty. Guilty of wounding God’s family. Guilty of pride. Guilty of taking what only God should hold in His hands. 

Jesus says the measure you use on others, that same measure will be used on you. There are only two. One of judgement and condemnation and one of mercy. So ask yourself: on that day what will be coming back to me?  Condemnation… or mercy?

Here’s how to live differently today:

Look in the mirror first. You look in the mirror to check out your hair, clothing and makeup. Take a peek in the proverbial mirror at your heart. Make sure it's ready for the day. Make sure you're right with the Father. Remove pride. Pray. Pause before gossiping or speaking ill of others behind their back. If you have a concern, have you spoken to the person first? Jesus isn't against our helping others or correcting others, but doing so with the right motives. Your goal is to see restoration, not seek a conviction.

Live life more like a medic instead of a critic. May mercy flow from you because you've experienced it. Mercy is far superior to judgement. (James 2:13). God alone is the judge of the one you're passing judgement on. You and they both answer to Him (Romans 14:4, 10-13). 

Live as one forgiven by Jesus. May your words be as those seasoned with grace. Walk in humility with God and others. However you want the Father to Judge you, use that towards others. This is what will please our Father in Heaven. 

May the Grace & Peace of God be yours today!  See You on Sunday!

Pastor Mike
PS. Make plans to join us for worship on Easter Sunday at either 9:33 or 11:00am. We're going to celebrate Jesus and His victory over the grave! Invite someone to sit next to you!